Our history

A series of letters by Fanuel Muindi and Moytrayee Guha dating back to 2013 provided the initial spark for the organization. In one of those letters, Muindi and Guha broadly argued for creating a global fund for what we now call civic science education and engagement initiatives that would help drive the next generation of innovative programs around the world that accelerate access, diversity, and inclusivity in STEM. Since then, we have continued to make this into a reality. We are humbled by the support we have received along the way going back to 2010 (see the evolution of our name and logos here) and are excited about the future

  • 2010

    precursor to the group

    The journey started with a group called Run4Education that Fanuel Muindi co-founded with Shantal Marshall as graduate students at Stanford University. Run4Education worked to raise money for local charter schools in East Palo Alto (California) area schools by running marathons and other races.

  • 2013

    early discussions about the group

    This was the period when Fanuel Muindi and Moytrayee Guha started to deeply discuss how to meaningfully contribute to the global discussion about education and science in general. As a response, they wrote a letter to Nature to test an idea. The letter was published by Nature!

  • 2014

    more publications in Nature and Science

    By this time, it was clear to Fanuel Muindi and Moytrayee Guha that there was great interest in providing insights about science education by using the power of words. Other publications followed. They realized that they couldn't do it alone and so they created the group and initially named it the Guha Muindi Advocacy Group.

  • 2015

    initial members join

    Jessica W. Tsai and Joe Barington Keller become the initial residents to join the group. The first annual group report is released. On Dec 3rd 2015, the stemadvocacy.org domain was formally registered marking the birth of organization.

  • 2016

    advisors come on board

    Advisors begin to join the group and the also group changes its name to the STEM Advocacy Group. Publications continue.

  • 2016

    Launch of Stories in Science in Dec 2016

    The institute becomes host to the first tool/program called Stories in Science launched by the Civic Science Media Lab ran by Chief Resident Fanuel Muindi.

  • 2017

    first book published in July 2017

    The Civic Science Media Lab's first book titled "Journeys in Science: Inspiring the Next Generation" is published by Elsevier. The book took 2 years to complete. It was authored by Fanuel Muindi and Jessica W. Tsai.

  • 2017

    more members join between Oct-Nov 2017

    The group now includes 7 advisors and 12 residents covering various areas of science development. The group renames itself to the Stem Advocacy Institute (in short SAi) and incorporates with the State of Massachusetts under the same name. It begins the formal 501(c)(3) application.

  • 2018

    Non Profit Recognition

    The organization is formally recognized as a 501c(3) non profit on August 7, 2018. It secures its first temporary community office space in Central Square, Cambridge. 45 Prospect St, Cambridge, MA 02139

  • 2019

    SRC Receives its First Grant and Trademark

    In February 2019, the organization received its first grant from the National Academy of Sciences/Story Collider for its founder, Fanuel Muindi, to attend the Sackler Colloquium, Advancing the Science and Practice of Science Communication: Misinformation About Science in the Public Sphere, on April 3-4, 2019 at UC Irvine. Additionally, The United States Patent and Trademark Office approved "Stories in Science" to be trademarked on June 8, 2019.

  • 2022

    The SRC Endowment is Formed

    In December 2021, the Trustees approved the creation of the SRC Endowment. The goal for tge endowment is to provide a perpetual source of unrestricted funding to support the mission of the Institute and its members. Formal operations of the endowment began in April 2022.

  • 2023

    Transition to the Sai Resident Collective

    In the summer of 2023, the organization underwent a significant rebranding, adopting the name Sai Resident Collective (SRC). This new designation underscores the organization's commitment to enhancing the support provided to its residents. Interestingly, the term "Sai" holds varied meanings in different cultures. In Japanese, it is a word for "rhino," symbolizing strength and resilience. In Sanskrit, "Sai" conveys the idea of "One who strives," reflecting dedication and perseverance. These diverse interpretations collectively enrich the organization's identity. For logistical reasons, the organization's legal name remains the Stem Advocacy Institute on paper thus allowing it to operate under both identities.